Surgery under local only anesthesia

Specialties Operating Room

Published

Specializes in Ortho and Spine surgery.

I've been tasked to write a policy over Surgery when only using local anesthetic. I've read the AORN guidelines, but I am still stumbling over the wording. Does anyone's hospital have such a policy that they are willing to share? Any help would be appreciated.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Our policy states that anesthesia services must be provided for any patient denied surgery in an ambulatory setting due to other health conditions, no cardiac monitoring required, ASA 2 or less, no history of difficult intubation, limited to day shift M-F so that we have an extra RN for monitoring, and that patients must still follow ASA NPO guidelines in the event they must convert to general anesthesia.

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Specializes in Ortho and Spine surgery.

Thanks for your response Rose_Queen. Is it possible to share that policy?

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

My employer likely would not approve of doing so, plus it would also identify me here. Have you checked out the templates from AORN? It’s included in the eGuidelines plus subscription and is pretty much ready to go minus any specifics you need to add and the facility info.

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Specializes in Ortho and Spine surgery.

My facility and I do not have a subscription to eGuidelines, and due to limited hours I am choosing to save my personal resources for more life immediate needs.

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